Antistall mechanism for automobile engines



J. P. GERAGHTY 1,952,667

ANTISTALL MECHANISM FOR AUTOMOBILE ENGINES Filed Deo. 16, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 27, 1,934.

BY y

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ATTORNEY INVENTOR March 27, 1934. J. P. GERAGHTY O ANTISTALL MECHANISM FOR AUTOMOBILE ENGINES 16, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Deo.

INVENTOR WITNESSES kfz/1,71 BGerczyh BY y,

ATTORNEY5 Patented Mar. 27, 1934 UNITED STA ANTISTALL MECHANISM FOR AUTOMOBILE ENGINES John P. Geraghty, Jerse Flanigan executor of said Joh deceased Application December 16,

10 Claims.

yThis invention relates to an improved antistall device for automobile engines, the object being to provide an improved structure wherein suction from the engine controls the mechanism for throwing in the starter.

Another object of the invention is to provide -an anti-stall device for automobile engines formed to utilzesuction to disconnect the starter mechanism and to holdit disconnected, the same being associated with temporary electromagnetic means for holding the starter circuit open when the suction fails and the engine is still running. y A further object, more specifically, is to providean anti-stall device for automobile engines wherein the usual wirings of the engine and rstarter are utilized but with the parts connected to the battery andfto the suction side of the engine so that normally when the engine is running, the suction from the engine maintainsthe starter circuit open, the structure including electromagnetic means for maintaining the starter circuit open temporarily while the engine is running and the suction has failed.

In the accompanying drawings- Y Figure lis a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation showing a part of an engine and part of an automobile with the embodiment of the invention applied thereto.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view partly in section showing the switch and associated mechanism illustrated at the upper part of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a lsectional, view through Figure 2 approximately on the line 3-3.

Figure` 4 is a sectional view approximately on the line 4-4.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view through Figure 2 on the line 5 5.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the parts in the position assumed when the suction from .the engine hasfailed but the engine is still running.

Figure 7 isa view similar to Figure 6 but showing the parts in the pos'tion assumed when the engine stops.

Referring `to the accompanying drawings by numerals, 1 indicates an automobile, and 2 a usual engine provided with the usual vacuum tank 3 connected in the usual manner by suction pipe 4. The usual ignition, generator and starter are used with the engine 2,'as well as'any desired kind of ignition switch 5, operated by suitable switch key 6. Associated with these parts is the anti-stop device embodying the invention which includes a switch mechanism 7, as shown in Figure 1, the same being connected by a wire through Figure 2 8 to one side of `the switch 5, the other side havpositel end.

. the armature y City, N. J.; John G. n P. Geraghty,

1931, Serial N0. 581,483

(Cl. 29o-37) ing a wire 9 extending therefrom. Also, a tube 10 extends from the fitting 11 into the switch mechanism 7 illustrated in detail in Figure 3. Preferably, the tube 10 is flexible, though it could be made of metal. By reason of this construction, the rarefaction or ksuction in the tank 3 is communicated to the passageway 12 (Figure 3), and lifts valve 13 off its seat against the action of spring 14. This valve-is carried by a hollow tubular member 15 having a closed end 16 locked 65 in place by a suitable screw 17. The tubular member 15 is provided with an aperture 18 which opens into the bore 19 and in this bore is slidingly mounted a reciprocating tube or piston 20 which is openat one end and closed at the op- Al tubular extensicn 21 of small ds forwardly from the closed` end 3, said tubular extension accommodating a spring 23 interiorly and an insulating sleeve 24 exteriorly. The sleeve 24 has 75 an annular contact band 25 of metal which at certain times contacts with certain contacts as hereinafter fully described. The spring 23 is connected at 26 to the closed end 22, and at 2'7 to the plug 28 to the end 29 of the tubular extension 30 8G by a suitable pin 3l. Extension 3 0 is preferably an integral part of the tube 32, which is preferably ntegral with the end plate 33. The end plate 33 is provided with apertures 34 for receiving screws and bolts, or other means, whereby the switch mechanism may be connected to the wall 35. It will be evident, however, that this mechanism might be connected to the instrument board 36 or to any other part of the engine or automobile. The arrangement shown in Figure 1 90 is desirable because it is near the vacuum tankr and yet is sufficiently distant from the engine so as not to be unduly heated thereby. An aperture 37 is provided in the plate 33 and accommodates screw 38 which rigidly secures the 95 electromagnet 39 to the end plate. A swinging armature 40 is carried by the magnet 39 and acted on by the spring 41 to normally hold the same in an outer or inoperative position as shown in Figure 2. When the magnet 39 is energized, 10'

40 will move to the position shown in Figure 6 for holding the pivotally mounted stop 42 from moving. This stop is pivotally mounten at 43 on a suitable ear or bracket 44 upstanding from the cylinder 32. As shown in Figure 2, the end 45 extends through an aperture 46, and when the armature 40 is swung to the position shown in Figure 6, the end 45` will engage the closed end 22^and prevent the sleeve 24 and associated parts from moving to the right, as shown in Figure diameter exten 22 as shown in Figure 2, under the action of spring 23. By reason of the fact that the vacuum tank 3 of the engine is connected directly with the piston 20, the suction or rarefaction will normally hold the parts in the position shown in Figures 2 and 4 when the engine is running and functioning properly. If for any reason there should be what is termed a pocket in the vacuum tank, namely, a failure of suction, spring 23 will immediately begin to function and move the parts to the position shown in Figure 6, whereupon the circuit of the magnet 39 will be closed through the contact ring 25 and resilient contacts 47 and 4'8. If the engine is still running, which would normally be the case, current will be supplied from the generator 49, which current will pass through wire 50 to contact 48 through Contact 25 to Contact 47, and thence, through wire 51 to the winding of magnet 39, and thence to the ground. This will instantly move the armature 40 to the position shown in Figure 6, whereupon the stop 42 is held down, and, consequently, the insulating sleeve 24, and associated parts, cannot move farther than the position shown in Figure 6. The action pf the magnet 39 is only temporary and functions only when the engine is running and the suction has failed. If it were not for this arrangement the parts would move out quickly to the position shown in Figure 7, and the starter would be thrown in while the engine was running. This would probably break the starter, as well as the various gears associated therewith. By the action of the magnet 39 and associated parts, the starter cannot be thrown in even if the suction fails until the engine stops, which naturally stops the generator 49. When the generator 49 stops, the magnet 39 will be deprived of current, and, consequently, the spring 41 will swing the armature 40 outwardly to the position shown in Figures 2 and '7. This will release the swinging stop 42 and the spring 23 will quickly move the contact 25 and'associated parts outwardly to the position shown in Figure 7, whereupon the circuit through the starter and the battery will be closed. From Figure7, it will, be seen that heavy wires 52, 53 and 54 lead from the battery to the starter 55. This is desirable because a heavy current is needed to operate the starter, but only a light current is needed to operate the magnet 39, and also the magnet 56. Immediately upon the stopping of the engine while the switch 5 is closed, the current will flow from battery 57, through wire 52, wire 58, switch 5, wire 59, wire 60, to the resilient contact 61, and thence, through the ring contact 25 to the resilient contact 62. From contact 62 current will pass through wire 63 to the magnet 56, and thence, to the ground, thus completing a circuit through the magnet 56. This will cause the magnets to attract the armature 64, and, consequently, move the contact bar 65 until it is engaging the contacts 66 and 67, whereupon current will flow immediately from battery 57, through wire 52, wire 53, wire 54, starter 55, contact 66, connecting bar 65 and contact 67 to the ground. It will thus be seen that the minute the engine stops, the starter circuit is closed, and, consequently, the engine is immediately started. As soon as the engine starts, suction will naturally be produced in the vacuum tank 3 and connected parts, and, consequently, the piston 20 will be quickly actuated and the Contact 25 quickly withdrawn or moved back to the position shown in Figures 2 and 4. It will be held by the suction in this position as long as the engine is running unless there occurs a vacuum pocket or failure of suction for any reason. This failure will not cuit but merely allow the piston 20 and associated parts to move under the action of spring 23 until the end 22 strikes the swinging stop 42. This stop is held down or in an operative position by armature 40 which has been attracted by the magnet 39 as soon as contact 25 has engaged contacts 47 and 48.

` When it is desired to stop the engine, the key 6 is moved in the usual way for opening the ignition lswitch 5. As soon as the ignition switch 5 has been opened, the circuit of the battery and the generator through the ignition circuit will be opened, and also the circuit through the magnet 56 will be open, thus leaving the starter circuit open. Under these circumstances, when the engine stops the battery 57 cannot actuate the starter, and, consequently, the engine will remain stationary. However, as soon as the engine stops under the circumstances spring 23 will immediately function to move the contact 25 and associated parts to the position shown in Figure 7 ready tovclose the starter circuit as soon as the switch 5 has been closed. It will, therefore, be seen that immediately upon the closing of switch 5, the ignition circuit will be closed so that the spark plugs of the engine will be properly provided with current, and also the magnets 56 will be immediately provided with current. This will almost instantly close the starter circuit and the starter will begin to function. All these actions are almost instantaneous upon the closing of the switch 5. By the provision of the anti-stall, as

close the starter cir- -just described, the car may move with comparatively high speed, as, for instance, fty miles an hour, and if the suction fails, the armature 40 and associated parts will hold the piston 20 and associated parts against functioning beyond a certain extent and, consequently, will prevent the starter from being thrown in. In fact, these parts will function until the suction has been reestablished or until the engine has stopped, thus preventing the starter from being thrown in when the engine is running at high speed.

When it is desired to clean the engine or work on the car adjacent the engine, the arm 68 (Figure 5) is swung to the right, as shown in Figure 5, and as this arm is pivotally mounted at and carries a pin 69 extending through the arc-shaped slot 7l, the pin 69 will engage end 22 and slide sleeve 24 and associated parts to the position shown in Figure 2. The friction of the arm on lits pivotal pin 70 will usually be suflicient to hold sleeve 24 and associated parts against action by spring 23, but to insure a proper holding action by arm 69 a projection 72 is provided and snaps into a depression 73 whereby the parts are locked against accidental movement. However, the arm may be moved by the hand when it is desired to move the same to an inoperative position as shown in Figure 2.

I claim:

'1. An anti-stall device for an automobile engine provided with a generator operated by the engine including a reciprocating switch having a single contact member, a plurality of pairs of coacting contacts arranged to be successively engaged-by said contact member, a spring for moving said contact member successively into contact with said pairs of contact members, means utilizing suction from the engine for moving said Contact member against the action of said spring and for holding said contact member against actuation by said spring and means actuated by current from said generator for holding said con- .tactcagainstmovement beyond a; certain point,

. 2. Inan--anti-stall device for automobile en- :gines provided with the usual starting motor-and 1 generator, battery and ignition and switch means interposed in circuitsincluding the starter, battery and generator, said switch means being provided with a reciprocating insulating member having a contact carriedthereby, a magnetically; closed switch arranged fin' thestarter circuit, a

- circuit including the winding of said magnetically closed switch and said battery,-said circuit vhaving contacts adapted to-be connected by the contact of said reciprocating'member when in one extreme positiorL-meansifor holding said reciprocating member in an intermediate position, said means including a swinging abutment, an armature for holding-said abutment against swinging, a magnet for holding said armature `in a given position andV a circuit including said generator, the contact carried by thereciprocating'member, and a pair of contact membersA engaging thecontact carried -by the reciprocating member, and means utilizing suction from'the suction side of 'the engine for moving. said reciprocating member to'on'e lextreme positionwhichis an inoperative position.

3. In an .anti-'stall device for automobile engines, a switch mechanism held in an inoperative position by the suction of the engine and moved to other positions by a spring, said switch mechanism including av reciprocating member having' a contact, means for moving said reciprocating member in two stages to an operative position, a swinging abutment for holding the reciprocating member in the iirst stager of its movement, and electromagnetic means acting when the suction from the engine ceases to hold said abutment in an operative position whereby said reciprocating member is held against moving to an operative position.

4. In combination with an internal combustion engine and a starter therefor including a starting motor, of means for immediately starting the engine after each stalling, said means including a reciprocating contact, means connected with the suction side of said engine for moving said contact to a given position and normally holding the contact in said given position, a spring for moving the contact in two stages to an opposite position, a battery, means forming a circuit for said starter motor including said reciprocating Contact when in its second stage, said battery a contact bar and a pair of contacts coacting therewith, magnetic means for moving said contact bar into engagement with said pair of contacts so as to close the circuit through said battery and said starting motor, a movable member for normal'ly preventing said reciprocating contact from moving more than one stage, electromagnetic means for holding said movable member in functioning position, a circuit including said battery and said electromagnetic means, said circuit being open at one point, said reciprocating contact being movable to close said circuit at said one point when moved one stage by said spring.

5. In combination with an internal combustion engine provided with starting mechanism including a starting motor and a circuit for said starting motor, of means for closing said circuit when the engine stops operating, said means including a reciprocating contact, means actuated by suction from the suction side of the engine for normally holding said contact in a predetermined inoperative position, a spring for moving said contact in the opposite, direction, said contact being adapted to stop at .two spaced points, a generator connected with said engine and actuated thereby, a circuit for said generator including a magnetic member and a pair of contacts, a swinging abutment adapted to stop the movement of said iirst mentioned contact afterit has moved substantially half of its normal. movement, said Contact at such time closing the circuit through said generator and said magnetic means, an armatule actuated by said magnetic means for holding said swinging abutment in an operative position, the circuit for said starting motor including aibattery and a Contact bar coacting with a pair oi spaced contactaa magnetic member for moving said contact bar into engagement with said spaced contacts and a circuit for the last mentioned magnetic member, said circuit including said battery and a pair of Vcoacting resilient contacts adapted` to be engaged and electrically connected when the first mentioned contact moves under action of the spring to its eitreme outer position whereby the circuit of said starting motor lthrough said battery will be closed.

6. The combination of an internal combustion engineprovided with a starter mechanism including a starter motor a circuit for-said starter motor and a generator actuated by the engine during the time the engine functions, means for preventing the closing of said circuit While the engine is running and causing the circuit of the starter motor to be closed upon stopping of the engine, said means including a reciprocating member having a contact member, means utilizing suction from the suction side of said engine for moving said contact to a given position, a spring acting on said contact to move the same to another position, a swinging abutment for limiting the movement of said contact to a second position, said abutment functioning when the engine is running but the suction is lost, an armature for holding said swinging abutment in an operative position, an electromagnet for moving said armature to functioning position, a circuit for said electromagnet including said generator and a pair of spaced contacts positioned to be engaged by the first mentioned contact when moved by said spring until stopped by said swinging abutment, the circuit for said starting motor including a battery and a contact bar coacting with a pair 'of spaced contacts, a magnet for moving said contact bar into engagement with said spaced contacts and a circuit for said magnet including said battery and a pair of contact members coacting with the first mentioned contacts and positioned to engage the first mentioned contact when the same is moved to-its extreme position by said spring, said spring functioning to move the rst mentioned contact to its extreme position when said engine stops and said generator ceases to supply current to said electromagnetic means.

7. The combination of an internal combustion engine provided with a generator operated by the engine, and a starting mechanism including a starting motor, a starter motor circuit means coacting with the engine generator and starting motor utilizing in succession suction from the engine and current from said generator for normally holding the circuit of said starting motor Open.

8. In an anti-stall device for an automobile engine provided with a generator, a starter motor,

a starter motor circuit, andfabattery, a spning, means actuated by'said vspringffor ciosingfsaid start-er motor circuit, said spring actuated means being actuated against said spring by'thefsuction from the engineforv normallyv holding the Starter motor circuit open, andmechanismactuatedby currentrfrom said generator only aftertliesuc starter motor circuit open against said `vspring as long,r as .the generator functions.

9. An anti-stall Adevice for an 'automobile envagainst actuation by said spring,fsaid means-inciuding a Yhollow piston Vopen lat one `end, vand means for connecting the inteiior'of theipision with the `suction produced Vby the engine, f said means including suitable 'passagewaysv 'and la spring pressed valve arranged-fin one o`f=the=pa5- sageways adapted to be lunseated against the action of the spring when the suction from the engine is sumcient, so that'thesuc'tion will proy mayfuncticnrt'c slowly; move the piston arid-said con tact memberfsucessively into'engagem'rit with said 'pairsl of contac't-nenibers, :arid-'means' actuffated by cu'r'ent i rexwsaidv vgerie'era'tor f or holding saidfcontact member *against ivmoye'ment l beyond switch circuit, cigencratcr circuit, "a I:tanica m- `cluding van="e1exn`enthaving two novemiits, said clement being-cperbievct thel main-f cr-"cricllmcvement to :permitjcifosingjof- "the fis'tating Amotor switch-v circuit `and*cwmc limit' afi itsfctnergmovc- 'rment'ltc preventthcicicsmg-icf either'cfsaid'clrcuits, yand further fcpc'r'cblc iin f iiirmcafaec 'tp pci-min fcicsin'g cf imc starting mctc'r 'switch ning. JOHN P. 'GERAGHTX 

